Interferon Alfa Sensitivity in HIV/HCV Persons Before and After HIV Meds

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government.
Read our disclaimer for details.

The chief purpose of this research is to evaluate interferon alpha sensitivity and cell type specific levels of interferon receptor and interferon stimulated genes and proteins in HIV/ HCV (hepatitis C virus) coinfected persons before and after administration of HIV medications (antiretroviral therapy).

We plan to perform liver biopsy by microlaparoscopy on previously untreated HIV/HCV coinfected persons, then give them a dose of peginterferon alfa 2b. HCV and HIV kinetics will be studied. Afterward, HIV will be treated using antiretroviral therapy and the procedure will be repeated.

HCV and HIV viral load pre and post antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is the intervention and the comparison is the HIV and HCV viral load reductions as determined by RT-PCR after administration of interferon alfa in each instance (before and after ART)

Drug: Antiretroviral therapy (ART)

Peginterferon alfa-2b administered once as part of a pharmacokinetic study before and after anti-HIV medications. Peginterferon is used to produce a measurement but the intervention is the HIV medications which are specified as raltegravir, emtricitabline, and tenofovir disoproxil fumerate.

Drug: raltegravir

raltegravir is an HIV medication given 400 mg twice daily by mouth

Other Name: Isentress

Drug: Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are HIV medications, combination pill, once per day by mouth

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.